Letter: Support and join the Westport Cultural Council

Thursday

Apr 17, 2014 at 5:00 PMApr 17, 2014 at 5:05 PM

The Westport Cultural Council encourages Westport artists — painters, dancers, musicians, sculptors, writers, storytellers, actors as well as environmentalists and scientists, all our creative people — to join us in the important work of our local Cultural Council.

The Westport Cultural Council encourages Westport artists — painters, dancers, musicians, sculptors, writers, storytellers, actors as well as environmentalists and scientists, all our creative people — to join us in the important work of our local Cultural Council.

Since 1984, the Westport Cultural Council has contributed over $500,000 to local arts and science organizations, individual artists, public school programs and unique projects that benefit the citizens of our town through grants awarded twice annually. WCC is seeking new voices to join our decision-making table and hope to reach out to all corners of the town.

The WCC is a town agency appointed by the Westport selectmen. WCC is also one of a network of local cultural councils serving all the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. In February, Carol Vidal, a 12-year member of the Westport Cultural Council who has served in many roles, was recognized at the Statehouse in Boston with the Massachusetts Cultural Council Leadership Circle Award. Westport residents acknowledge the important place of art and culture because it is the common ground for bringing people together to inspire, share and create.

Grants awarded in past years have supported community holiday concerts and performances at the Public Library, historical talks and artist open studios as well as indoor concerts in the winter and outdoor performances along the river in the summer. In addition, WCC members organized a summer film festival for all.

The first step to joining the Westport Cultural Council is to attend a monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Westport Town Hall Annex. Talk to the current WCC members including Suzanne Thomlinson, chair; Trintje Jansen, secretary; Lucy Tabit, Carolyn Duby, Irene Buck and Alan Powers. We are part of a long line of local citizens who have worked enthusiastically since 1982 to expand and support the creative life in our town and will be glad to answer your questions.

If you would like more information contact Suzanne Thomlinson, WCC chair at srthomlinson@charter.net or go to www.westportculturalcouncil.org. For information, contact info@westportculturalcouncil.org.